The State Antiquities Landmark-designated shipwreck known as Boca Chica No. 1 is a 19th-century merchant vessel located on the coast. The THC first became aware of it in 1980 when Hurricane Allen exposed it, and another report followed in 1988 after Hurricane Gilbert. Notably, Hurricane Beulah also uncovered the wreck in 1967, highlighting its long history of exposure.
Since 2017, Boca Chica No. 1 has been revealed more frequently due to increased coastal erosion at Brazos Island. Between November 2022 and June 2023, it was exposed for an unusual six-month period. This increased visibility has allowed researchers to gather more information about the wreck, although its origins remain unknown.
The preservation and study of Boca Chica No. 1 depend significantly on citizen science involvement, including two Texas Archeological Stewardship Network (TASN) stewards, local volunteers, and student interns. Recent weather events, such as Tropical Storm Alberto and Hurricanes Beryl and Francine, have further uncovered the shipwreck, prompting plans for archaeologists to revisit the site. The THC has kept the exact location of the wreck confidential to prevent tampering, as it is protected under the Antiquities Code of Texas.
The THC faces the monumental task of preserving and interpreting Texas' vast archeological landscape across 254 counties. In 1984, the Texas Archeological Stewardship Network (TASN) was established to support its small team of professional archeologists.
TASN volunteers, though not professional archeologists, are highly trained and motivated individuals who contribute significantly to Texas' archeological preservation efforts. Their activities include recording new sites, monitoring known ones, seeking protective designations, and assisting in salvage operations.
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Secure your spot at the Texas Historical Commission’s Real Places 2025 conference! Join us April 23-25 in Austin or online for the premier historic preservation and heritage tourism conference in the Lone Star State.
Presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission and Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, LLC, Real Places allows preservationists and officials to network and learn together. The full schedule includes over 100 expert speakers from across Texas and the U.S., more than 50 sessions, workshops, tours, and fun and exciting activities.
Archeology-Related Content at Real Places 2025 includes:
- Cemetery Associations: Turning Your Vision into Reality
- Best Practices for Restoration and Repair at Historic Cemeteries
- Is that Where it Was?—Using Georeferencing to Better Understand Historic Maps
- Grandma Told Me That—Oral Traditions and Lessons in the Anthropology of History
- The Intersection of Archeology and Interpretation at an Ancient Site in South Texas
- Truth and Reconciliation: Addressing Highway Construction Impacts on African American History
- What is a National Historic Trail?—The Case Study of El Camino Real de los Tejas
- Every Stone Has a Story: Bethany Cemetery and the Fight to Save Black Austin History
- An Old Cemetery at the Brink—Can the Graves of the Farmworkers be Saved?
Explore the full conference schedule to see other sessions that can help you advance your organization, mission, and preservation projects.
 Henry G. Madison Cabin, Travis County, TPTF FY 23 Architecture – Planning grant recipient for construction document creation for future rehabilitation efforts
Applications are open for the Texas Preservation Trust Fund (TPTF) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026. This program provides matching, reimbursable grants for historic preservation projects related to archeological, architectural, and heritage education resources.
Special funding opportunities will be available for projects in the Panhandle area and the city of Dallas, allowing applicants in these regions to request larger grants than usual.
Initial applications for the FY 26 grant cycle are due Monday, February 3, 2025, by 5 P.M. CST.
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